To Better Health

Anybody who is planning a vegetable garden planting will be glad of this handy checklist. We cover exactly what to do and when, and look at what you need to take into account when you are planning and planting a vegetable garden.

Planning The Site

The best site for a vegetable garden is in a sunny spot, perhaps not in full sun all day, but getting a good amount of sunlight. It should also be flat. If the only available land has a significant slope, dig it into terraces so that water will not simply run down the slope and leave your young vegetable plants high and dry – literally.

Ideally the vegetable garden planting takes place near the house so that you can see your growing vegetables and do not forget to check on them, water them or harvest them when ripe. You will want to protect your vegetable garden with a rabbit proof fence. This will also stop dogs digging up your plants.

What To Plant

When considering what to plant, the first consideration is what you and your family like to eat! There is no point in producing a huge crop of perfect cabbages if you all hate them.

Next think about the soil and climate that you have and what will grow well in it. You may know this already or can find out by asking neighbors. If not, test the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of your soil using a testing kit that you can buy at most gardening nurseries. For climate conditions, start here and you will find a lot of helpful links for your location, plus links to plants that suit certain climates: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardiness_zone

Where To Plant What

It is easiest if plants are grouped according to their harvesting period. So for example everything that will be harvested early is in the same area, so that when they are all over you can clear the area and plant something else there. Perennials such as asparagus and some fruits should be at the side or in another place where they will not be damaged when you are digging up annuals after their harvest.

It is always good practice to rotate your vegetable garden planting. This helps to prevent pests from becoming established, and returns certain nutrients to the soil.

Do not crowd your plants. Take note of instructions that come with seeds or look up the required spacing in gardening books for seedlings. If it says to plant many seeds or seedlings and then thin them out later, do not forget to do it. Plants need air and light to circulate, or they will suffer from fungal diseases and poor growth.

Some plants make good buddies and seem to thrive from being planted next to each other. These are called companion plants. Examples are marigolds (or basil) and tomatoes (or peppers). Cucumbers, corn and beans are another good combination. Look online for more lists of companion plants to optimize your vegetable garden planting.